Aroused Problems in the Deposition of Diamond-like Carbon Films by Using the Liquid Phase Electrodeposition Technique

Hydrogenated diamond-like carbon (DLC) films were prepared by using a liquid phase electrodeposition technique. The effect of applied potential and carbon sources on the deposition process and film structures were studied. The results show that the organic liquids with high dielectric constants, small viscosities and the methyl group bonding to the polar group are appropriate carbon sources. The increasing potential can improve the formation of sp3 carbon during the deposition process. In a high electric field, organic molecules are polarized and react on the surface of the electrode, turning into DLC and other products. The authors believed that the reaction follows a polarization-reaction mechanism.